Most people like good rivalry. It's quite humorous to poke fun at competitors. The posturing and boasting about who is number one can even give a good laugh. After all, who likes sour grapes?
However, the possibility of once again creating a monopoly in the telecommunications market in Jamaica is no laughing matter at all.
Cable and Wireless's acquisition of Columbus Communications, which trades in Jamaica as Flow, may bring all of the island's fibre and Internet connectivity with the rest of the world under the control of one company.
Additionally, this merged entity will essentially have a monopoly over fixed lines, fixed broadband, and subscriber television services locally.
Many Jamaicans might not remember the days before liberalisation, when telecommunications was very costly and service delivery was very poor. But most know the pitfalls of having only one utility company. The creation of a monopoly now threatens to push up prices and gives the sole provider the ability to withhold or limit key services.
This is why it is critical for regulators and policymakers to take the necessary time to fully examine the impact the Cable and Wireless-Columbus deal will have and put in place measures to safegard the consumers and businesses.
It doesn't really matter which company wins in the telecoms fight, provided that the consumer is the one to come out on top.
Marlon Powell
Southfield, St Elizabeth
marlonpowelljm@gmail.com
How do you like them grapes?
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However, the possibility of once again creating a monopoly in the telecommunications market in Jamaica is no laughing matter at all.
Cable and Wireless's acquisition of Columbus Communications, which trades in Jamaica as Flow, may bring all of the island's fibre and Internet connectivity with the rest of the world under the control of one company.
Additionally, this merged entity will essentially have a monopoly over fixed lines, fixed broadband, and subscriber television services locally.
Many Jamaicans might not remember the days before liberalisation, when telecommunications was very costly and service delivery was very poor. But most know the pitfalls of having only one utility company. The creation of a monopoly now threatens to push up prices and gives the sole provider the ability to withhold or limit key services.
This is why it is critical for regulators and policymakers to take the necessary time to fully examine the impact the Cable and Wireless-Columbus deal will have and put in place measures to safegard the consumers and businesses.
It doesn't really matter which company wins in the telecoms fight, provided that the consumer is the one to come out on top.
Marlon Powell
Southfield, St Elizabeth
marlonpowelljm@gmail.com
How do you like them grapes?
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